How do you find out what level of tear you had?

[RuthT]

I had an epesiotomy (sorry can't spell) and I know that it took some time to stitch after but the midwife did not indicate what degree the cut was.

I am now, 9 months on, still experiencing issues and I think it is in part due to the cut.

The hospital keep your notes, so how do you get hold of them to find out?

Speak to your midwife,if she is any good she will get information for you

You can request a copy of your notes from the hospital. I think if it's within one year of birth you don't have to pay but I may be wrong.

I got a copy of my notes from when I had dd1, I had to pay a fee and also pay for photo copying but it was 5 years later so I didn't mind.

IIRC episiotomies are usually equivalent to a second degree tear.

IIRC?

If I remember correctly
There is a list of accronym at the top of the page

There are four degrees of tears that can occur during delivery:
First degree tears involve the vaginal mucosa and connective tissue.
Second degree tears involve the vaginal mucosa, connective tissue and underlying muscles.
Third degree tears involve complete transection of the anal sphincter.
Fourth degree tears involve the rectal mucosa.

Episio are usually an equivalent to a 2nd degree.

IIRC = if I recall correctly!